James Y. Pennington is a native of Leighton, Alabama. He is a retired Army chaplain. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in History from the University of North Alabama. A Master of Divinity degree from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Cordova, Tennessee, Masters in Professional Counseling and Human Services Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and a Doctorate of Ministry from Erskine Seminary in Due West, South Carolina. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama.